Linderhof

Gardening, Cooking and Decorating on the Prairie of Kansas

Welcome to Linderhof, our 1920's home on the prairie, where there's usually something in the oven, flowers in the garden for tabletops and herbs in the garden for cooking. Where, when company comes, the teapot is always on and there are cookies and cakes to share in the larder.

Monday, March 14, 2011

An Irish Treat for Tea

We're not Irish (or at least not much) but I do embrace St. Patrick's Day -- I love the corned beef and cabbage and Irish soda bread. It is as much a tradition at Linderhof as turkey is at Thanksgiving!!!!

But sometimes I rush the day as I did this weekend when I had a new recipe that I wanted to try -- cupcakes full of Irish "flavor"!

And so on Sunday afternoon, I baked them . . . . and on Sunday afternoon, both of us stopped for tea at half past three.

Alas, the only green on the table are the stems of the orange tulips! (But orange is one of the colors of the Irish flag!)

And the tea things aren't Irish but they are British -- the Spode Blue Room and Blue Italian. A lace cloth because when eating Irish, a lace covered cloth seems appropriate! The lamb molds on the table -- they'll be there until Easter.

Whisk together the flour, brown sugar, cocoa, baking soda and salt into a bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the Guinness, oil, vinegar and vanilla until smooth. Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and whisk until well combined. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners. The cups should be filled about 3/4 full, and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 18 to 22 minutes. Let the cupcakes cool completely.

IRISH WHISKY FROSTING

Beat the butter on high speed for 1 to 2 minutes. Add powdered sugar and vanilla and beat to incorporate. With the mixer running, add 1 T. of milk at a time until it reaches the desired buttercream consistency. Add whisky, 1 t. at a time, until desired taste. Beat on high for 2 more minutes until very fluffy.

How delicious! I'm your biggest fan of teas at Linderhof. I just copied the recipe so I can make it...what the heck if we're not Irish, but embrace the St. been a Catholic! I'll be posting at Kathleen's tomorrow my St. Pat's tablescape. Hope you do too.LOVEFABBY

Your tea table is so pretty with the blue and white Spode and the orange tulips...but Oh my goodness do those Chocolate Guinness cupcakes with Irish Whisky Frosting look divine! I'm definitely copying the recipe to try. Hope you have a lovely St. Patrick's Day.

WE love St. Patrick's Day at our house...but we are Irish.WE have a huge party every year which we just held on Sunday. I want to have some guests over for Tea tomorrow but may not be able to due to some tests I am having done later today. Blah!! Athough I took the day off to watch QVC...it's all Irish on the 17 of March every year. HA!Is your Tea pot and cups and saucers "Spode?" That will be the next set I think I am purchasing...love the Blue and White.Be BLESSED....Joyce

What a wonderful tablescape and way to spend a Sunday afternoon in the comfort of home with hubby and some delicious 'Irish' cupcakes. Everything looks wonderful! xhttp://yvettesblogs.com/2011/03/16/lucky-afternoon-tea/

I think that it's the cupcakes that will keep you from being pinched, and your gorgeous blue and white collection will leave many 'green with envy. ' Thanks for the recipe and for stopping by my post. Cherry Kay

Just a brief note but packed full of appreciation, for your post that you shared with us this week. The cupcakes sound wonderful and maybe not just on St Paddy's day.Beautiful Spode. I am eager to see you and what you design next week.Until then, blessings, Pam